John J. Riera, Jr.

John Joseph “Johnnie” Riera, Jr., 83, devoted husband to Linda (Smith) Riera passed away August 12, 2020 at Hartford Hospital surround by his loved ones.  Born in New Britain on June 29, 1937, he was raised in Plainville and a resident of Southington for over forty years. 

The last surviving of fourteen children to the late John and Helen (Griswold) Riera, he was also predeceased by his first wife, Elaine (Wilcox) and his son, Jeffrey Riera.    

Johnnie served his country as a proud member of the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal during the transition between the Korean and Vietnam Wars.   He worked for A.A. Aiudi and Sons for 25 years, before owning and operating his own trucking company, Xpress Trucking.  A man of deep spirituality, he was a founding parishioner and volunteer at St. Dominic Church since its inception in the 1970’s. Johnnie was a loyal Giants fan, enjoyed painting clowns, daily crossword puzzles and loved the Bourne trilogy; in addition to being an avid gardener and creative landscaper. Remembered for his great story telling and passionate work ethic, he shared his wisdom and many personal life experiences with those who often looked to him for advice.

Johnnie was a supportive and loving father of five children; daughter Robin and husband William Lesinski of East Lyme, daughter Carrie Ann Riera of Southington, daughter Brendy and husband Joshua Traber of Broad Brook, and son John Riera III and wife Heather of New Hartford.  Johnnie  leaves behind five grandchildren; Chelsea  Gubbins of East Lyme, Edmund  Gubbins III of New Hampshire, Kyle Riera of Southington, Reilly Morgan Riera of New Hartford and  Jacob Traber of Broad Brook, along with three great grandchildren, Grace of Southington,  and Gavin and Grayson both of East Lyme and his faithful four-legged companion, “Tinkerbell.”

In lieu of flowers, Johnnie may be remembered with contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or with a Mass card in his memory through St. Dominic Church.

Family and friends may gather in celebration of Johnnie’s life on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Church, 1050 Flanders Rd., Southington, followed by committal services with military honors at St. Joseph Cemetery, Plainville.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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